‘Cupcake angels’ bring hope

Founder of national charity, Cupcakes of HOPE, Sandy Cipriano has moved to Ballito to spread more love around the area as planned at their first conference held on Saturday, May 21 at the Salt Rock hotel where the KZN cupcake co-ordinators had the opportunity to meet and greet.

Guest of honor, Camdyn Garbade, a brave cancer survivor made a special visit to the meeting and reminded the ‘cupcake angels’ on the impact that they have on the lives of children affected with cancer.

The charity was founded eight years ago by Cipriano, when she realised that the charities which target cancer, don’t provide for the day-to-day expenses that affected families incur. The main fundraiser, Cupcakes 4 kids with Cancer, is held in September when cupcakes are sold towards this aim.

Last year the event was held at more than 70 malls and managed to raise R1,5 million. So far the foundation has been able to assist more than 450 patients by paying for their medical and other day-to-day expenses.

“Having a sick child is not easy and in most cases medical aid does not cover the cost for all the treatments. Transportation, home schooling and in some unfortunate cases, funeral costs are also a reality.”

For Cipriano, establishing the charity has been life changing. With tears in her eyes, she described the moment she realised that this was her life’s purpose.

“The largest donation we have received was used to help pay for a prosthetic leg for a 15-year-old boy, Gerhard Vernaak. Although his family had medical aid, it did not cover the R60 000 for this leg. I met Gerhard the morning he received his new leg, he was wheeled in by his granny. The most amazing feeling was seeing him walk a few hours later. When I went to say goodbye I gave him a big hug and he said, “Jissie Tannie, maar jy is lekker kort” (Wow Aunty, but you are very short). Everyone burst out laughing but it brought me to tears as I realised that when we met he was sitting down in his wheelchair.”

For information on how to get involved, contact Sandy at Sandy@cupcakesofhope.org

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